Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
p.49 #1Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
BastianK wrote:
The VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar is a nice extremely compact and affordable 21mm lens,
but the VM 21mm 1.4 Nokton is almost a better performer at f/1.4 than the 3.5 at any aperture.
Damn-
Strong words sir
I love my Voigtlander 21 1.4 though!
The VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar is a nice extremely compact and affordable 21mm lens,
but the VM 21mm 1.4 Nokton is almost a better performer at f/1.4 than the 3.5 at any aperture.
Damn-
Strong words sir
I love my Voigtlander 21 1.4 though!
Nov 17, 2023 at 01:20 PM
p.49 #2Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Cosina is nowadays primarily a fast to super-fast lens company, with 13 of their listed 29 VM lenses being faster than f2. They know their customers well, I am sure, hence: 'Enjoy bokeh with a super wide-angle'. The 21/1.4 glass specification is two asph elements and three APD elements, inside a massive 13 elements, their most complex (non-macro) full-frame lens, along with another 21mm, the 21/1.8 Ultron.
Cosina wanted users of slow lenses (we do exist) to make do with a single asph and a single APD element in the fine (for what I do) 21/3.5 Color-Skopar. So 'slow equals less performance' describes their lens range as well, we may surmise. I count that as a missed opportunity. Here is why:
Leica took a very different direction in 2011 with its production of the jewel-like SEM 21/3.4. With two asph surfaces and four APD elements, it lavished attention on its new f3.4 super wide-angle, and made that happen inside an eight element design.
It displays 2023 levels of sheer performance and adds beautiful colour, ultra low astigmatism, low curvature, 1.5% distortion levels, and the best managed outer frames of all of the stills 21s I've inspected. It is as good at f3.4 as it is at f5.6.
At 280 grams, it is just half the lens the 21/1.4 is. At 560 grams, that latter CV one would be the heaviest in many a bag of photographers like me, and that is why it would never make a single image for my non-casual needs.
Priorities matter, as does your choice and presentation of subject material, and your locations, and how you get there. To arrive at the images you need, all these are critical inputs to realised 'lens performance' in the real world. I'd pay double the price of the 21/3.5 if Cosina had the wisdom and interest that Leica showed back in 2011. Lenses simply have to be fit for purpose, and those purposes vary widely.
Cosina wanted users of slow lenses (we do exist) to make do with a single asph and a single APD element in the fine (for what I do) 21/3.5 Color-Skopar. So 'slow equals less performance' describes their lens range as well, we may surmise. I count that as a missed opportunity. Here is why:
Leica took a very different direction in 2011 with its production of the jewel-like SEM 21/3.4. With two asph surfaces and four APD elements, it lavished attention on its new f3.4 super wide-angle, and made that happen inside an eight element design.
It displays 2023 levels of sheer performance and adds beautiful colour, ultra low astigmatism, low curvature, 1.5% distortion levels, and the best managed outer frames of all of the stills 21s I've inspected. It is as good at f3.4 as it is at f5.6.
At 280 grams, it is just half the lens the 21/1.4 is. At 560 grams, that latter CV one would be the heaviest in many a bag of photographers like me, and that is why it would never make a single image for my non-casual needs.
Priorities matter, as does your choice and presentation of subject material, and your locations, and how you get there. To arrive at the images you need, all these are critical inputs to realised 'lens performance' in the real world. I'd pay double the price of the 21/3.5 if Cosina had the wisdom and interest that Leica showed back in 2011. Lenses simply have to be fit for purpose, and those purposes vary widely.
Nov 17, 2023 at 05:15 PM
p.49 #3Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
BastianK wrote:
The VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar is a nice extremely compact and affordable 21mm lens,
but the VM 21mm 1.4 Nokton is almost a better performer at f/1.4 than the 3.5 at any aperture.
At infinity distance, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton actually performs better than the mighty Leica 21/3.4 SEM starting at f/4 at the corners. I tested a few copies to confirm this. The gap is subtle but if you're really pixel-peeping, you'll notice it.
However, when it comes to overall resolution across the entire frame and compactness, the Leica comes out on top.
The VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar is a nice extremely compact and affordable 21mm lens,
but the VM 21mm 1.4 Nokton is almost a better performer at f/1.4 than the 3.5 at any aperture.
At infinity distance, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton actually performs better than the mighty Leica 21/3.4 SEM starting at f/4 at the corners. I tested a few copies to confirm this. The gap is subtle but if you're really pixel-peeping, you'll notice it.
However, when it comes to overall resolution across the entire frame and compactness, the Leica comes out on top.
Nov 17, 2023 at 05:45 PM
p.49 #4Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!
From yesterday morning.
From yesterday morning.
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ILCE-1 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/9.0 1/15s 100 ISO -2.0 EV
Nov 17, 2023 at 06:01 PM
p.49 #5Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-ElmarGreat images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
1bwana1 wrote
I had the 21mm VM Color-Skopar. It was a nice lens but nothing special in any regard in my opinion. About a Month ago I bought the Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar. I just love this lens. It is a big step up from the VM (I usually love my Voigtlanders) in all ways. The build quality, ergonomics, looks, and optical qualities are all very special. Super sharp, despite the FL and small aperture you can get some Bokeh if you set up for it. As long as you keep it level there is little to no distortion, and the colors are amazing. This lens is so easy and fun to shoot with. In the leica lens ecosystem it is actually reasonably priced. I bought mine new while at a Leica party, but have seen some great prices on like new used ones.I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-Elmar
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
Nov 17, 2023 at 07:20 PM
p.49 #6Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Douglas L wrote:
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!
From yesterday morning.
Was there a reason you were debating about selling your CV 21/1.4?
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!
From yesterday morning.
Was there a reason you were debating about selling your CV 21/1.4?
Nov 17, 2023 at 08:28 PM
p.49 #7Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
stgrove wrote:
From yesterday morning.Was there a reason you were debating about selling your CV 21/1.4?
I had the Loxia 21 several times before, didn't really like how it operates. I have had the CV 21 f1.4 for several years, love it except the weight. I don't recall I have ever shot at f1.4 so I am carrying the extra glass for nothing. I was going to sell the CV 21 after I re-acquired the Loxia, but the used price for the CV 21 is just ridiculously low ($500ish?). I may not bother to sell it. In terms of image quality, for me, either one is superb but I don't pixel peep.
Douglas L wrote
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!From yesterday morning.
I had the Loxia 21 several times before, didn't really like how it operates. I have had the CV 21 f1.4 for several years, love it except the weight. I don't recall I have ever shot at f1.4 so I am carrying the extra glass for nothing. I was going to sell the CV 21 after I re-acquired the Loxia, but the used price for the CV 21 is just ridiculously low ($500ish?). I may not bother to sell it. In terms of image quality, for me, either one is superb but I don't pixel peep.
Nov 17, 2023 at 08:37 PM
p.49 #8Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
stgrove wrote:
I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-ElmarGreat images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.
Fred Miranda wrote
1bwana1 wrote
I had the 21mm VM Color-Skopar. It was a nice lens but nothing special in any regard in my opinion. About a Month ago I bought the Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar. I just love this lens. It is a big step up from the VM (I usually love my Voigtlanders) in all ways. The build quality, ergonomics, looks, and optical qualities are all very special. Super sharp, despite the FL and small aperture you can get some Bokeh if you set up for it. As long as you keep it level there is little to no distortion, and the colors are amazing. This lens is so easy and fun to shoot with. In the leica lens ecosystem it is actually reasonably priced. I bought mine new while at a Leica party, but have seen some great prices on like new used ones.I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-Elmar
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.
Nov 17, 2023 at 09:03 PM
p.49 #9Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-ElmarGreat images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.
Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
1bwana1 wrote
I had the 21mm VM Color-Skopar. It was a nice lens but nothing special in any regard in my opinion. About a Month ago I bought the Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar. I just love this lens. It is a big step up from the VM (I usually love my Voigtlanders) in all ways. The build quality, ergonomics, looks, and optical qualities are all very special. Super sharp, despite the FL and small aperture you can get some Bokeh if you set up for it. As long as you keep it level there is little to no distortion, and the colors are amazing. This lens is so easy and fun to shoot with. In the leica lens ecosystem it is actually reasonably priced. I bought mine new while at a Leica party, but have seen some great prices on like new used ones.I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-Elmar
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.
Nov 18, 2023 at 07:26 PM
p.49 #10Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
stgrove wrote:
I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-ElmarGreat images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.
Most 21mm lenses show some kind of field curvature when wide open. Faster lenses, such as the Nokton, tend to have more noticeable curvature. Even a top-notch lens like the Loxia 21 exhibits strong field curvature even at f/2.8.
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
1bwana1 wrote
I had the 21mm VM Color-Skopar. It was a nice lens but nothing special in any regard in my opinion. About a Month ago I bought the Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar. I just love this lens. It is a big step up from the VM (I usually love my Voigtlanders) in all ways. The build quality, ergonomics, looks, and optical qualities are all very special. Super sharp, despite the FL and small aperture you can get some Bokeh if you set up for it. As long as you keep it level there is little to no distortion, and the colors are amazing. This lens is so easy and fun to shoot with. In the leica lens ecosystem it is actually reasonably priced. I bought mine new while at a Leica party, but have seen some great prices on like new used ones.I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-Elmar
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
Most 21mm lenses show some kind of field curvature when wide open. Faster lenses, such as the Nokton, tend to have more noticeable curvature. Even a top-notch lens like the Loxia 21 exhibits strong field curvature even at f/2.8.
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
Nov 18, 2023 at 09:28 PM
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p.49 #11Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Douglas L wrote:
From yesterday morning.Was there a reason you were debating about selling your CV 21/1.4?I had the Loxia 21 several times before, didn't really like how it operates. I have had the CV 21 f1.4 for several years, love it except the weight. I don't recall I have ever shot at f1.4 so I am carrying the extra glass for nothing. I was going to sell the CV 21 after I re-acquired the Loxia, but the used price for the CV 21 is just ridiculously low ($500ish?). I may not bother to sell it. In terms of image quality, for me, either one is superb but I don't pixel peep.
If you can live without a super speed 21, the 21 SEM is about as perfect and corrected a 21mm lenses that exists today. Arguably the best overall as Fred mentions above. Do you really, really need a super fast 21? It's not a focal length I'm all that driven to isolate subjects with; the 28 Summiliux serves that purpose well. But as always, YMMV, especially if astrophotography is your thing.
As for the CV 21 resale value, a new one is $850 at CameraQuest, so $500 is a pretty solid price.
stgrove wrote
Douglas L wrote
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!From yesterday morning.
If you can live without a super speed 21, the 21 SEM is about as perfect and corrected a 21mm lenses that exists today. Arguably the best overall as Fred mentions above. Do you really, really need a super fast 21? It's not a focal length I'm all that driven to isolate subjects with; the 28 Summiliux serves that purpose well. But as always, YMMV, especially if astrophotography is your thing.
As for the CV 21 resale value, a new one is $850 at CameraQuest, so $500 is a pretty solid price.
Nov 18, 2023 at 10:25 PM
p.49 #12Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
j.liam wrote:
From yesterday morning.Was there a reason you were debating about selling your CV 21/1.4?I had the Loxia 21 several times before, didn't really like how it operates. I have had the CV 21 f1.4 for several years, love it except the weight. I don't recall I have ever shot at f1.4 so I am carrying the extra glass for nothing. I was going to sell the CV 21 after I re-acquired the Loxia, but the used price for the CV 21 is just ridiculously low ($500ish?). I may not bother to sell it. In terms of image quality, for me, either one is superb but I don't pixel peep.If you can live without a super speed 21, the 21 SEM is about as perfect and corrected a 21mm lenses that exists today. Arguably the best overall as Fred mentions above. Do you really, really need a super fast 21? It's not a focal length I'm all that driven to isolate subjects with; the 28 Summiliux serves that purpose well. But as always, YMMV, especially if astrophotography is your thing.
As for the CV 21 resale value, a new one is $850 at CameraQuest, so $500 is a pretty solid price.
Thanks for the info. Isn’t the SEM Leica M mount? I don’t have a Leica camera, only the lowly Sony.
Douglas L wrote
stgrove wrote
Douglas L wrote
I bought a Loxia 21 again, planning to sell the CV 21 f1.4, but I am not sure now. Won't get much for it, may as well keep it!From yesterday morning.
As for the CV 21 resale value, a new one is $850 at CameraQuest, so $500 is a pretty solid price.
Thanks for the info. Isn’t the SEM Leica M mount? I don’t have a Leica camera, only the lowly Sony.
Nov 19, 2023 at 05:00 AM
p.49 #13Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-ElmarGreat images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.Most 21mm lenses show some kind of field curvature when wide open. Faster lenses, such as the Nokton, tend to have more noticeable curvature. Even a top-notch lens like the Loxia 21 exhibits strong field curvature even at f/2.8.
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
I often find the field curvature to be an asset with lenses such as the Loxia 21. This is most beneficial for scenes featuring middle/distant central subject area, and closer details on the sides/corners of the frame, and good through about f/5.6, where it evens out to more flat field as you said (no noticeable field curvature after about f/4). As you said, the field curvature is not an issue unless shooting flat subjects at wider aperture, and how often does that happen in nature, or even architecture?
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't need f/1.4 for precise focusing or subjects with shallow depth of field, the Loxia 21 stays my more practical alternative. But I'm always curious. . . so, never say "never", right?
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
1bwana1 wrote
I had the 21mm VM Color-Skopar. It was a nice lens but nothing special in any regard in my opinion. About a Month ago I bought the Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar. I just love this lens. It is a big step up from the VM (I usually love my Voigtlanders) in all ways. The build quality, ergonomics, looks, and optical qualities are all very special. Super sharp, despite the FL and small aperture you can get some Bokeh if you set up for it. As long as you keep it level there is little to no distortion, and the colors are amazing. This lens is so easy and fun to shoot with. In the leica lens ecosystem it is actually reasonably priced. I bought mine new while at a Leica party, but have seen some great prices on like new used ones.I rarely shot the VM, but find myself using the Leica more and more. Some of my favorite images of the last Month have been made with the Leica.
Here are few under different conditions so you can see how the lens renders. All shot with my M11 & 21mm Super-Elmar
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
I often find the field curvature to be an asset with lenses such as the Loxia 21. This is most beneficial for scenes featuring middle/distant central subject area, and closer details on the sides/corners of the frame, and good through about f/5.6, where it evens out to more flat field as you said (no noticeable field curvature after about f/4). As you said, the field curvature is not an issue unless shooting flat subjects at wider aperture, and how often does that happen in nature, or even architecture?
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't need f/1.4 for precise focusing or subjects with shallow depth of field, the Loxia 21 stays my more practical alternative. But I'm always curious. . . so, never say "never", right?
Nov 19, 2023 at 09:44 AM
p.49 #14Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Gunzorro wrote:
Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.Fred,
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.Most 21mm lenses show some kind of field curvature when wide open. Faster lenses, such as the Nokton, tend to have more noticeable curvature. Even a top-notch lens like the Loxia 21 exhibits strong field curvature even at f/2.8.
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.I often find the field curvature to be an asset with lenses such as the Loxia 21. This is most beneficial for scenes featuring middle/distant central subject area, and closer details on the sides/corners of the frame, and good through about f/5.6, where it evens out to more flat field as you said (no noticeable field curvature after about f/4). As you said, the field curvature is not an issue unless shooting flat subjects at wider aperture, and how often does that happen in nature, or even architecture?
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't...Show more →
I frequently shot landscapes using the Zeiss 28/2 ZF lens. My approach involved focusing at infinity and achieving sharpness in the foreground as well by shooting at f/4. This is a great example of understanding the lens curvature and applying that knowledge in the field.
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Great images! Another vote for the 21/3.4 SEM. Sharp across the field with no dip anywhere. Great micro-contrast and colors from wide open.Having said that, the CV 21/1.4 Nokton is another gem....a faster one.
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't...Show more →
I frequently shot landscapes using the Zeiss 28/2 ZF lens. My approach involved focusing at infinity and achieving sharpness in the foreground as well by shooting at f/4. This is a great example of understanding the lens curvature and applying that knowledge in the field.
Nov 19, 2023 at 09:20 PM
p.49 #15Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?Only at wide apertures due to wave field curvature. At smaller apertures, it's one of the sharpest 21mm lenses out there.Thanks. So at 1.4 it has wave field curvature. When I buy a 1.4 I intend to use it mostly at 1.4 so it is a no go for me it seems.Most 21mm lenses show some kind of field curvature when wide open. Faster lenses, such as the Nokton, tend to have more noticeable curvature. Even a top-notch lens like the Loxia 21 exhibits strong field curvature even at f/2.8.
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.I often find the field curvature to be an asset with lenses such as the Loxia 21. This is most beneficial for scenes featuring middle/distant central subject area, and closer details on the sides/corners of the frame, and good through about f/5.6, where it evens out to more flat field as you said (no noticeable field curvature after about f/4). As you said, the field curvature is not an issue unless shooting flat subjects at wider aperture, and how often does that happen in nature, or even architecture?
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't need f/1.4 for precise focusing or subjects with shallow depth of field, the Loxia 21 stays my more practical alternative. But I'm always curious. . . so, never say "never", right?I frequently shot landscapes using the Zeiss 28/2 ZF lens. My approach involved focusing at infinity and achieving sharpness in the foreground as well by shooting at f/4. This is a great example of understanding the lens curvature and applying that knowledge in the field.
Another of my favorite lenses: Zeiss ZE 28/2!
Yes, understanding such issues for specific lenses can make them a big asset compared to "flat field" in landscape and architectural applications for adequate DOF at wider apertures, such as f/4.0-8.0.
Gunzorro wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
stgrove wrote
Fred,I thought this 21/1.4 Nokton was the lens you said was not consistent across the frame. Am I missing something?
At around f/4, usually the curvature is masked by depth of field and in the case of the Nokton, it's super across the entire image field.
You'd only see the ill-effect of FC when capturing something flat across the frame, like in astrophotography for example.
I've often thought of getting the CV 21/1.4, but since I don't need f/1.4 for precise focusing or subjects with shallow depth of field, the Loxia 21 stays my more practical alternative. But I'm always curious. . . so, never say "never", right?
Another of my favorite lenses: Zeiss ZE 28/2!
Yes, understanding such issues for specific lenses can make them a big asset compared to "flat field" in landscape and architectural applications for adequate DOF at wider apertures, such as f/4.0-8.0.
Nov 20, 2023 at 09:08 AM
p.49 #16Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Douglas L wrote:
Thanks for the info. Isn’t the SEM Leica M mount? I don’t have a Leica camera, only the lowly Sony.
Not so lowly if you get the Kolari modifications.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I frequently shot landscapes using the Zeiss 28/2 ZF lens. My approach involved focusing at infinity and achieving sharpness in the foreground as well by shooting at f/4. This is a great example of understanding the lens curvature and applying that knowledge in the field.
The ZM 2,8/25 is another with a pretty dramatic curvature of field that if understood, can be used creatively. None of the Zeiss SLR wide-angle lenses had a flat field. Additionally, the OG NOCT Nikkor is another with the same feature.
Thanks for the info. Isn’t the SEM Leica M mount? I don’t have a Leica camera, only the lowly Sony.
Not so lowly if you get the Kolari modifications.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I frequently shot landscapes using the Zeiss 28/2 ZF lens. My approach involved focusing at infinity and achieving sharpness in the foreground as well by shooting at f/4. This is a great example of understanding the lens curvature and applying that knowledge in the field.
The ZM 2,8/25 is another with a pretty dramatic curvature of field that if understood, can be used creatively. None of the Zeiss SLR wide-angle lenses had a flat field. Additionally, the OG NOCT Nikkor is another with the same feature.
Nov 20, 2023 at 10:28 AM
p.49 #17Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
For VM on M users using an external OVF, to what extent does the lens intrude into the frame?
Wasn’t there a Nokton/Ultron comparison thread posted here at some point?
Wasn’t there a Nokton/Ultron comparison thread posted here at some point?
Dec 27, 2023 at 08:52 PM
p.49 #18Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
d.s. wrote:
For VM on M users using an external OVF, to what extent does the lens intrude into the frame?
Wasn’t there a Nokton/Ultron comparison thread posted here at some point?
I don't think it extends to the external OVF (without the hood) but I will double check this.
For VM on M users using an external OVF, to what extent does the lens intrude into the frame?
Wasn’t there a Nokton/Ultron comparison thread posted here at some point?
I don't think it extends to the external OVF (without the hood) but I will double check this.
Dec 27, 2023 at 08:54 PM
p.49 #19Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Enjoying my new (to me) 21 Nokton on a mild winter evening:
Sony ILCE-7CR Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical ƒ/8.0 21.0 mm 1/30s ISO800
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisd666/53492656812/in/photostream/lightbox/
Sony ILCE-7CR Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical ƒ/8.0 21.0 mm 1/30s ISO800
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisd666/53492656812/in/photostream/lightbox/
Jan 28, 2024 at 01:01 PM
p.49 #20Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Since this old thread is still active... I have to ask.... How are people feeling about the CV21 f1.4 vs the Sony 20mm f1.8?
I have the Sony 20G and the Loxia 25mm that I keep just for sunstars and color, but I sometimes wonder if I would be happier with the CV 21mm f1.4 to replace both. I current use 20mm G for astro and just upgraded my 16-15GM to the version II.
Is this just a GAS attack for me or is there something special about the CV 21mm F1.4?
I have the Sony 20G and the Loxia 25mm that I keep just for sunstars and color, but I sometimes wonder if I would be happier with the CV 21mm f1.4 to replace both. I current use 20mm G for astro and just upgraded my 16-15GM to the version II.
Is this just a GAS attack for me or is there something special about the CV 21mm F1.4?
Jan 29, 2024 at 08:24 PM